WWW.VFWPOST1260.ORG

March 2016 Volume 83, Issue 3

Harold Baggenstoss Post 1260

From the Commander

BY DAVE CHRISTIANSON

Comrades, Hope you’re all enjoying the nice weather we are having now, 31 degrees today! Don’t forget the VFW meeting coming up on March 1st at 7:00 PM at the Eagles. We need everyone present that can make it! Having gone to the District 9 convention in Crookston on January 9th and the State Mid-Winter conference in Minneapolis on January 22, 23 & 24th, we had the oppor-tunity to watch 11th grader, Quindelynne Hasler speak at both those conventions and it was great to see our District 9 Representative from Fertile Beltrami High School, Crookston, MN win the State Voice of Democracy Contest. She was outstanding and definitely deserved this award. While we were at the state convention; Commander Bruce M., Kelly & I had to oppor-tunity to go to the Legislative Session concerning the Veteran Affairs and the following issues were on the table and will be presented to lawmakers in the next session: 1. Bonding and Funding: CTF (Commander’s Task Force) is urging lawmakers to sup-port MDVA bonding requests for improvements and repair & betterment dollars: Each of the five Minnesota Veterans Homes requires significant asset preservation dollars to maintain facilities with basic systems, life safety and to meet regulatory requirements. 2. Minnesota GI Bill Use Expanded: CTF supports the expansion of permitted uses of the Minnesota GI Bill. Currently, eligible veterans may use MN GI Bill benefits to pay for the cost of tuition at higher education institutions, however, using the benefits to pay for costs such as school applications, exams, licensing and other certifications is not permitted. 3. MNSCU (Minnesota State Colleges & Universities) Instate waivers for 100% Ser-vice Connected Veterans with Disabilities: CTF supports legislation to provide addi-tional incentive to 100% Service Connected (SC) Disabled Veterans to pursue higher education. This would reduce financial barriers and incentivize them to pursue higher education, ultimately enhancing their employability. 4. Free Deer Hunting & Small Game and Lifetime Fishing Licenses for 50% SC Disa-bled Veterans: CTF supports a reduction in the threshold level of disability rating from the current 100% to 50% for Veterans to be eligible for free hunting & fishing licenses. 5. Permanent Homestead Market Value Exclusion for Widows/Widowers of >70% Service Connected Veterans: CTF supports the extension of the Homestead Market Value Exclusion. This proposal would amend M.S. 273.13 Subd. 34 (2)(C) to extend the eight year homestead property tax exemption to a permanent exemption for a veter-an’s widow or widower, if the veteran was eligible at the time of death.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Adjutant’s Corner .................. 2

Veteran Service Officer .......... 3

Chaplain’s Corner .................. 4

Spot Light On ......................... 5

Veteran’s Employment Rep ... 5

Post Auxiliary ......................... 6

Activities Last Month ............. 7

Points of Contact ................... 7

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

March 16th—Veterans on the

Hill

Next Meeting: April 5th

VETERANS OF F OREIGN WARS

Mark your calendars! Next meeting is Tuesday, March 1st!!!

ADJUTANT’S CORNER

NOTICE: VFW website: www.vfwpost1260.org. All up-dated information is available concerning our local VFW Post #1260 as well as our state and national infor-mation. VFW Post #1260 Meeting Date: Tuesday March 1st at 7:00 pm at the Ea-gles Club. 1. Mar. 2 – Battle of Bismarck Sea Began (1943). 2. Mar. 3- “Star Spangle Banner” Made U.S. National Anthem (1931). 3. Mar. 13- Daylight Saving Time Begins (set clocks ahead 1 hour). 4. Mar. 17- St. Patrick’s Day. 5. Mar. 16- Veteran’s on the Hill- State Capital. 6. Mar. 19- First Day of Spring (Vernal Equinox). Operation Iraqi Freedom Began. (2003). Bring another veteran to our meeting! Harold Baggenstoss VFW Post #1260 P.O. Box 1271 Bemidji, MN 56619 VFW Post Adjutant ckapphan@paulbunyan.net 218-243-3060

(218) 243 3060

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY

March 1, 1781 - Formal rati-

fication of the Articles of

Confederation was an-

nounced by Congress. Under

the Articles, Congress was

the sole governing body of

the new American national

government, consisting of

the 13 original states. The

Articles remained in effect

through theRevolutionary

War until 1789, when the

current U.S. Constitution

was adopted.

March 2, 1943 - Dur-

ing World War II in the Pa-

cific, a Japanese convoy was

attacked by 137 American

bombers as the Battle of

Bismarck Sea began.

March 6, 1836 - Fort Alamo

fell to Mexican troops led by

General Santa Anna.

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6. Military Pension Tax Exemption: CTF supports the elimination of the taxes on pensions earned through military service. This proposal would eliminate taxes on Military Pensions for Minnesota Residents. Currently, pensions for Minnesota residents, including Federal Pensions, are taxable regardless of where the pension was earned. Minnesota is one of the last hold-out states to still taxing military pensions. 7. Removal of Guardianship language from Commissioner’s Duties: CTF supports removal of the guardianship language from the commissioner’s Duties. This is a housekeeping initiative aimed at eliminating language for a program which is no longer in effect. 8. Disclosure Statement: CTF supports the creation of a law requiring a disclosure statement & waiver language. This proposal would create a written disclosure statement & waiver that must be signed by Veterans if they are seeking Veteran’s benefits from private, for profit providers. This statement will, at minimum, indicate that they (veterans) understand that advocacy and Veterans benefit services are offered at no cost by federally chartered Veterans service organizations and by County Veterans Service officers. Sorry this got so long but I wanted all veterans to know what was on the table for change in the upcoming Legislative Session. These items if passed will benefit and help the veterans in dealing with and doing business that affects their everyday health and welfare. It also gives veterans/disabled veterans a better opportunity to further their education and greater opportunities for disabled vet-erans to hunt and fish. March we nominate officers with election in April. We can also nominate at the April meeting just before election of officers during that meeting. Don’t forget about March 16th Veterans Day On The Hill, 10:00 AM, Cedar Street Armory, 600 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN If inter-ested in attending contact Tom Annonson 218-251-3025 for bus transportation (very cheap). We can use all the veterans possible to go to the Hill and meet with our legislators. Thank you for considering this important issue. Senior Vice Commander, Dave Christianson Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 1260

BY SCOTTY ALLISON

VETERANS HOME UPDATE

Governor Dayton recently released his 2016 Capital Budget recommendations. The proposed projects came to a total of $1.4 billion in general fund supported debt. Governor Dayton did not include the building of any new State Veterans Homes in his recommendations. The total for Veterans Affairs included in the budget came to $12.8 million (less than 1% of the overall budget). This includes $7.851 million to repair the historic truss bridge on the Minneapolis Veterans Home campus and $5 million to maintain and repair buildings under the control of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. The Northern Minnesota Veterans Home Task Force continues to seek support from both Minnesota Senate and House members in eventually building a Veterans Home in our geographical location. Rep. John Persell, DFL-Bemidji, Sen. Rod Skoe, DFL-Clearbrook, Sen. Tom Saxhaug, DFL-Grand Rapids, and Rep. Dave Hancock, R-Bemidji, have been especially helpful in these efforts, and we look forward to their continued support. In previous articles, I have mentioned that veterans who served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for at least 30 days from January 1, 1957 to December 31, 1987 are eligible to enroll in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System. Recently, the VA announced that it now plans to make certain medical conditions presumptive for service-connection in regards to compensation due to the fact that veterans were exposed to contaminated drinking water while assigned at Camp Lejeune. This will be similar to how the VA treats veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam in regards to presumption. The VA Secretary recently stated that “The water at Camp Lejeune was a hidden hazard, and it is only years later that we know how dangerous it was.” It is now widely known that the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with chemical products such as trichloroethylene and benzene with the source being leaking storage tanks at the base. The conditions that are being looked at for service-connected presumption are Kidney Cancer, Liver Cancer, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, Scleroderma, Parkinson's Disease and Aplastic Anemia/Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Additionally, the dates of exposure have also changed and are now from 1953 to 1987. My recommendation is that if you were stationed in Camp Lejeune, during this period, and you have one of these con-ditions, you should file a compensation claim immediately. Additionally, if you are sick from something that you be-lieve was caused by your exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune you should also put in a claim as the VA may add other presumptive conditions in the future. If you are 70% or more service-connected disabled through the VA, please remember that in the State of Minnesota you can exclude part of your property taxes through the Market Value Exclusion on Homestead for Disabled Veterans. For those rated 70% to 100% service-connected, the exclusion is up to $150,000. For those rated 100% service-connected, permanent and total, the exclusion is up to $300,000. This only applies to property taxes and not to spe-cial tax assessments. To apply you must go through the Assessor’s Office in the county in which you live.

Please remember spouses, if you have CHAMPVA medical coverage through the VA, when you become eligible you must sign up for Medicare Part B. This also applies to those covered under TRICARE for life. If you do not sign up, you could lose your medical coverage. Don’t forget, if you have any questions regarding veterans’ benefits please call the County Veterans Service Office at 218-333-4177/4178.

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Greetings Fellow Veterans/Friends,

Passion for Leadership

by 2NDLT AUSTIN KROHN, USAF

I have found that the Lord rarely sends us

blessings unaccompanied, and these past

weeks have been filled with their share of

trials and difficulties as well.

Conflicting philosophies and styles of training have waged war between cadre

members. Difficult decisions are in no short supply. I have found myself on my

knees before God asking questions which I have never faced before.

How do I lead in a manner worthy of Christ? How can I be a godly witness to these

young men and women who must learn to obey and respect me?

As with all such questions, the answers lie within Scripture, where I found myself

after the loving guidance of fellow believers and the gentle, yet firm, hand of God

directed me there. Throughout His Word, the Lord instructs us in many of the as-

pects of godly leadership:

be a leader who draws his energy from his time with Christ (Psalms 3:5 & 5:3)

lead from the front (Matthew 5:16)

be a servant (Mark 9:35)

welcome difficulty (James 1:2)

correct to build up and not break down (Ephesians 4:29)

be fair and objective (Proverbs 11:1, 3)

From these Scriptures I found out how I could properly be a follower of Christ who

happens to be a leader--not a leader who happens to follow Christ. So often I have

found that our spiritual pursuits and concerns become secondary to us.

For Spiritual help contact CHAPLAIN CHUCK BROWN at 218-751-4393.

OUR SACRIFICE

Conflict Casualties

American Revolution 50,000

Northwest Indian War 1,881

War of 1812 20,000

Mexican American War 17,435

Civil War—Union 646,392

Civil War—Confederate ~524,000

Dakota War of 1862 263

Spanish-American War 4,068

Philippine-American War 7,126

World War I 320,518

World War II 1,076,245

Korean War 128,650

Vietnam War 211,454

Afghanistan War 23,625

Iraq War 37,052

NOTE: There are other smaller con-

flicts not listed where service members

sacrificed their lives

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HOT OFF THE PRESS

By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY

11:29 a.m. EST February 18, 2016

The U.S. military is struggling to provide

adequate therapy sessions for thou-

sands of active-duty troops suffering

from post-traumatic stress disorder and

depression, a massive study released

Thursday concludes.

The RAND Corp. study of 40,000 cases,

the largest ever, found that only a third

of troops with PTSD and less than a

quarter who are clinically de-

pressed receive the minimum number

of therapy sessions after being diag-

nosed.

A RAND review of U.S. military

and Department of Veterans

Affairs treatment guidelines concluded

that troops diagnosed with PTSD

should receive at least four therapy

sessions within eight weeks or at least

two sessions to manage newly pre-

scribed medications.

The good news in the study: vast im-

provement in how the Army and other

service branches follow up with inpa-

tient cases of PTSD after servicemem-

bers are released from mental hospital

care, a crucial period when many sui-

cides occur.

“We just don’t have enough mental

health professionals to meet the de-

mand,” said Brad Carson, acting princi-

pal deputy undersecretary of defense

for personnel and readiness.

He said the military will turn increasing-

ly to civilian therapists available

through Pentagon contracts. Carson

also plans to examine the RAND find-

ings "to see ways that we can im-

prove."

5

SPOT LIGHT ON….

Your Spot Light...

Do you want to be in the spot light? If you are a mem-

ber of VFW Post 1260, we would like to eventually

highlight you!

Here is what we would like:

1. A picture of you when you were first in the mili-

tary and a more recent picture of you.

2. A brief history of where you grew up and how you

decided to join the military.

3. What was your job in the military.

4. Where did you serve and any interesting facts about your tour(s).

5. When were you discharged and what was your rank when you left the military.

6. What did you do when you returned home. (i.e. go back to school, jobs, etc.)

7. Tell us a little about your family.

8. What are your favorite hobbies.

9. What is the best advice you could pass on to younger veterans in our organiza-

tion.

If you could email me this information at:

johnnaastad@hotmail.com, I will slowly add

them to future newsletters. Otherwise, I will

be calling around to set up times to collect this

information.

If you have any questions, please call me at 651

-283-8657.

Thanks.

John Naastad.

Jobs currently available:

Stop in or visit our website to learn more about the posi-tions available and to apply. jobs.mdu.com Knife River Materials

Northern Minnesota Division 4101 Bemidji Ave N Bemidji, MN 56601

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT REPRESENTATIVE

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY

March 9, 1864 - Ulysses S.

Grant was commissioned as a

Lieutenant General and became

commander of the Union armies.

March 10, 1862 - The first issue of

U.S. government paper money

occurred as $5, $10 and $20 bills

began circulation.

March 12, 1938 - Nazis invaded

Austria, then absorbed the country

into Hitler's Reich.

March 16, 1968 - During

the Vietnam War, the My Lai

Massacre occurred as American

soldiers of Charlie Company mur-

dered 504 Vietnamese men, wom-

en, and children. Twenty-five U.S.

Army officers were later charged

with complicity in the massacre

and subsequent cover-up, but only

one was convicted, and later par-

doned by President Richard Nix-

on.

March 23, 1775 - Patrick Hen-

ry ignited the American Revolu-

tion with a speech before the Vir-

ginia convention in Richmond,

stating, "I know not what course

others may take; but as for me,

give me liberty, or give me death!"

Hello Sisters,

We will be having a meeting March 1st, 2016. 7pm Eagles club.

I have not heard much of what went on last meeting as I was not there. Hopefully I will be there this month.

We will have Year End Reports to sign hope fully we can get them all signed.

Daylight savings starts March13th.

Happy Easter to all. Pray for all that are sick and lost love ones.

Margie Luadtke Aux Pres

Minnesota Woman Veteran of the Year

The Women Veterans Initiative is proud to honor one extraordinary female Veteran annually during a spring Women Veterans event. The Minnesota Woman Veteran of the Year award will recognize a female Veteran who has served honorably and is a community leader. This award is part of the women Veterans Initiative’s continuing effort to honor women Veterans.

One woman Veteran will be recognized as the Minnesota Woman Vet-eran of the Year. Nominations will be accepted from the public.

A Minnesota Woman Veteran of the Year is someone who:

Honorably served in the United States military.

Displays leadership and supports women Veteran issues.

Is a serving citizen in her Minnesota community.

Nomination forms must include the nominee’s general information along with a brief narrative explaining why the Veteran is being nom-inated for the award. Nominations not selected may be retained for future award consideration.

March 31, 2016

POST AUXILIARY

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On the Lighter Side:

Veterans Day on the Hill March 16, 2016 The Minnesota Commanders' Task Force, the United Veterans Legislative Council, and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers will be holding this year's Veterans Day on the Hill at the Cedar Street Armory on Wednesday, March 16, at 10 a.m.

ACTIVITIES LAST MONTH

7

POINTS OF CONTACT Commander Bruce Malterud 218-766-3898 bmjm@paulbunyan.net

Adjutant Clare Kapphahn 218-243-3060 ckapphan@paulbunyan.net

Quartermaster Kelly Booge 218-308-1171 kelbooge@paulbunyan.net

Sr. Vice Commander Dave Christianson 218-244-3381 davebeky@paulbunyan.net

Jr. Vice Commander Dr. Jason Dixon

Surgeon Bruce Skipton 218-760-1130 bskipton@att.net

Chaplain Charlie Brown 218-751-4293

Asst Chaplain Jerry Wraa 218-766-3949 jlwraa@gvtel.com

Veterans Service Officer Scotty Allison 218-333-4178 campbell.allison@co.beltrami.mn.us

Vet Employment Rep Val Pacheco 218-333-8221 Valentino.pacheco@state.mn.us

Vet Center Shari Kosobuski 218-722-8654 shari.kosobuski@va.gov

Post Auxiliary President Margie Luadtke margluad@paulbunyan.net

Post Auxiliary Treasurer Elizabeth Parthun baramewe@paulbunyan.net

DAV Chapter #7 Thomas Annonson 218-251-3025 torgor@lightspeed.net

Support Numbers

Education: http://www.mymilitaryeducation.org

Health Care: 1-877-222-8387

Suicide Prev. Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Fargo VA: 1-800-410-9723

Help Line: 1-855-VET-TALK

VA Community Outpatient Clinic-Bemidji: 218-755-6360

OUR DAILY COMMITTMENT Hours served last month: 142 54 members volunteered last month Current Members: 258 2016 TAPS Jack Mattison

HAROLD BAGGENSTOSS

POST 1260

The purpose is fraternal, patri-

otic, historical, and education-

al; to preserve and strengthen

comradeship among its mem-

bers; to assist worthy com-

rades; to perpetuate the

memory and history of our

dead, and to assist their widows

and orphans; to maintain rue

allegiance to the Government

of the United States of America,

and fidelity to its Constitution

and laws; to foster true patriot-

ism; to maintain and extend

the institutions of American

freedom, and to preserve and

defend the United States from

all her enemies, whomsoever.

WHAT THE VFW DOES FOR THE COMMUNITY

Youth activities, Voice of Democracy & Youth Essay

Patriotic Activities

Aid to Schools & Churches

Membership

Help to obtain benefits

Legislative Service

Buddy Poppy Promotion

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 56601 PERMIT NO. 3

Harold Baggenstoss

VFW Post #1260

P.O. Box 1271 Bemidji, MN 56619

Phone: 218) 243 3060

E-mail: ckapphan@paulbunyan.net